Category Archives: JUST BECAUSE
THANKYOU!
Ya know…whether we consider it a good thing or not….we truly are who we are because of those around us. At least, largely. Often, I think…more than we realize. I grabbed this photo of the chalkboard with my phone Friday evening at open house. I was so blessed and honored by everybody that came and showed their support!
It pretty much sums up my thoughts. On open house. And life. I am who I am because of those around me. Dear friends that laugh and cry with me. Family. Mentors placed in my life by God almighty. Role models. Others in the industry. Little boys that remind me to take life slow. A part of you is reflected in me. And for this. For YOU, I am thankful. And so very blessed. =)
MADDIE :: FAIR SHOOT
As long as I can remember I have wanted to do a fair shoot. I had visions of cotton candy, Ferris wheels, color, laughter and total freedom with creativity. I did a quick shout out on Facebook asking for volunteers for a Fair Shoot. Maddie was one of the girls that responded…and she was so fun to work with. Not only is she sweet as cotton candy (; but seriously, one of the most solid, grounded senior girls I have met. One of my favorite aspects of the shoot was teaming up with Grace. Grace was one of my sweet brides from last year. Grace has a fantastic eye for fashion and a passion for styling. For this shoot, Grace took on the role of stylist. She did a gorgeous job with Maddie’s hair and makeup and directing Maddie on the shoot. Our goal for the shoot was a sweet, simple, whimsical vibe. Maddie arrived with an stellar selection of clothing options. Grace came with magazine inspiration, a few accessories and additional clothing options, and the hair and makeup supplies. I came with my camera and excitement to work with these two.
Grace, you rock. Maddie, you are a sweetheart in the truest way possible.
The only time it worked for is three to meet up was on a Saturday afternoon. Saturday afternoon at a fair? Two MILLION people. Add in bright sunshine. Tough location to shoot in! So I had to readjust my expectations. We did not use any rides due to the crowds. But that was really OK…I loved the candy apple stand. =)
This is the only piece of clothing I supplied…my favorite tan blazer.
Maddie dear…you are so pretty.
HERE is the inspiration board I put together in Pinterest.
A few behind the scenes Instagrams as Grace did hair and makeup in the studio. =)
Happy Friday folks. May you have a sunshiny day and an even sweeter weekend.
Julia wrote: I love how you caught all the twinkly lights on the last several pix. I had the same inspiration for my sons' pix, but a 5 yr old and 4 mo old????!!!!?? Maybe someday I will accomplish this dream!!! You inspire me SO much! (12/02/11, 6:44 pm)
Isabel wrote: I am sure you get comments like "these pictures are amazing" but these pictures are amaz-ballz! I love them all so much and I hope that one day I can take photos like these. I am just getting into photography.....got myself a little nice nikon d5100 and I just take pictures of my daughter. I just got my first family shoot lined up for next week :). Its just for right now. I would like to know what kind of camera you use and what lens you used for this shoot. I love,love, love it. Thank you :) Isabel Hernandez (12/02/11, 7:02 pm)
Angie wrote: Char, you have done an amazing job with this shoot! I have to say this shoot made my mouth gap open in awe. Together, you and Grace, had an incredible vision for how you wanted this shoot to turn out. I LOVE these pictures! Thanks for being an inspiration to me! (12/02/11, 8:49 pm)
Kendra wrote: these are awesome and she is gorgeous!!!! (12/05/11, 2:06 pm)
Emily wrote: GORGEOUS!!!!! (12/07/11, 9:12 pm)
TODAY I AM THANKFUL.
If for no other reason than…because I have SO, so much to be thankful for. Funny how quick I forget that. The kitchen sink full of dishes (again) makes me brain feel wacky. I feel like I am always running behind schedule…a constant state of behindness. And the laundry needs to be folded. And my pictures don’t looks so pretty to me today. And what am I going to make for dinner?!! I need to exercise. For real. SO easy to focus on everything that is not perfect. But life is not perfect. Never will be. So as soon as I can get that in my brain and be okay with it….and embrace the good and the bad….then I can live in the moment. And truly relish life’s simple pleasures. So today. I stop. And think. This past week I had so much to be thankful for.
SUCH as SHOES. Yippie. Yay…new shoes that I think are awesome. I love’em. I feel so cool and groovy when I am three inches taller in my new suede wedges.
And awesome people that actually think I am cool enough to meet me for a mentor session. And coffee. Maybe they just come for the coffee? Huh. Thanks Kari. Your awesome. I like your ring. And your hair. (; You have a really original eye. Excited to watch you fly. And you too, Tara!
My six year old. He makes me heart melt. He smothers me with kisses and hugs. Always tells me he likes what I am wearing. And makes the funniest comments and does the most random things. We laugh and laugh at this crazy six year old.
JCREW. You inspire me like no other! Darn it….if you weren’t so pricey I would buy you all.
Spearmint gum, rainy days, no school days, flannel sheets, pink nail polish, little sisters, the way my baby smells, a clean house, holding my man’s hand, dinner out, shopping with friends, lattes with extra shots of espresso…yup I do it, fall leaves, friends that ask the hard questions, chocolate cake, laughter and back-rubs….oh, you all make me happy. I am reminded I have so much to be thankful for. Indeed. And remember…life is a dance. If I allow it to be. Ups and downs. Back and forth. I sway. I lean. I continue. I have so much to be thankful for. I am so blessed.
Lori Witmer wrote: well said! I hear you. Would love to share coffee together sometime soon! Have a blessed Thanksgiving! (11/23/11, 10:09 am)
Michael Good wrote: Love it, Char! I was just thinking about what I'm thankful for too, thinking about solutions instead of problems and positives instead of negatives. Whenever I'm feeling crummy, this always helps me put things in perspective. (11/23/11, 10:54 am)
diane miller wrote: the shoes fit you perfectly! thank u for the thank yous. the little things are truly the biggest blessings! i like being able to watch you live out your life. :) (11/23/11, 3:50 pm)
I Like Mornings.
I get up early. Most days my alarm is set for 4:30am. Ok, not always. Sometimes I sleep in to 5:30am. I like mornings. I am a morning person. I grind my coffee and step outside for a second to breath in the morning air. Mornings are peaceful. The world is still. The house is quiet. All the boys are sleeping. I pop in a CD and I get a click’n-clack’n on the keyboard. My brain thinks clearly and I feel like I can conquer the world. Kinda. This is when I answer emails and prepare for the day. My goal is to get through the emails before I hear baby Corde talking. (He is almost one!) Sometimes it happens. Sometimes it doesn’t. Such is life. Me and mornings get along well.
On another note, I have been thinking… all I really have is this moment. This second in time. SO, I will choose to live in the moment. Live for today. Live with my heart. Not let fear and uncertainty keep me from walking forward. I want to go for it. To pause and breath. To see the beauty in each moment. What does that mean? I don’t know. I just know it is hammering inside my chest. I am ready. I am ready to give my hand to God…and say, ‘I am ready, now. Thanks for your patience. Let’s go. Once again, I am ready to trust you.’ =)
Lori Lapp wrote: Love the coffee mug and music playing!!! Me too! Although for years I've wondered if I am a morning person??? I love to sleep, so getting up and out of bed is never much of a delight for me. I don't really like getting to bed late because mornings seem to always come way too soon. Although, when I am awake I am ready to talk, to have my devotions, to drink coffee, to start my laundry, to turn on the radio and to start my day!!! Because I do not get up at 4:30, I don't have much time after I wake up to get the kids out of bed and ready for school. Enjoy your moments of silence and peace!!! I hope you have a great Friday!!! Thanks for sharing your pictures!!! (10/07/11, 11:51 am)
Charlene wrote: You are so inspiring...wish I WAS a morning person. (10/07/11, 12:53 pm)
yana wrote: I randomly stumbled on your site today... gorgeous site + blog design! I really like this image & your honest writing style. Keep at it. You have great talent. Blessings! (10/07/11, 12:56 pm)
JUST BECAUSE
“Seasons Change….let them change”.
A quote with so much wisdom wrote by my mother and ‘sticky-noted’ to the fridge. It stayed there for months. And it left a mark on me. Thinking about it today. Thanking God for a new season my family is experiencing today.
Aaaand because somebody told me I should post more photos of my kiddos…=)…here is what my boys love doing these summer afternoons.
Ruby Showalter wrote: i love this Char! i'm entering a new "season" - motherhood - and i want to embrace it wholeheartedly! blessings to you in this season of your life! (07/12/11, 3:00 pm)
FATHER’S DAY
Two of my favorite people. =)
I took this photo Friday evening in the strawberry field that is down the road from us. The berries are free picking right now. So this is a great time for procrastinators that want berries for jelly. =) Happy Monday!
SWEET TOOTH?
Rootbeer floats say SUMMER to me!
These were so fun to make for my sister’s grad party. Happy Summer Friday! =)
Esther Sensenig wrote: I love this Idea !!! The mason jars are so cute with the ribbon and spoon attached ! (06/17/11, 10:49 am)
Lindsey wrote: Char, I LOVE this idea!! It's so cute, all of it! Now I'm craving one.. :) (06/17/11, 11:07 am)
Ruby Showalter wrote: O yummy!! I want one.... It helps that they are cute too (= (06/17/11, 11:43 am)
Nicole wrote: YUM!!! Who can resist a rootbeer float. I love the mason jar idea! (06/18/11, 12:01 pm)
Epiphany Bliesath wrote: Hey... I think I was there when these awesome pictures were taken... :) Great job, as always! Such a talent for taking the ordinary and adding that 'extra.' (06/19/11, 10:51 pm)
Jen Showalter wrote: What an FUN & creative idea Char!! LOVE it! Yum! Now ya got Me Wanting a rootbeer float ;-) Hugs!! (06/19/11, 11:12 pm)
Jen Showalter wrote: You are too creative & FUN!!! LOVE it!! Now if Your post could come to life & I could take that spoon tied to that adorable ribbon & drink a rootbeer float..all Would be happy in my world ;-) Hugs!! (06/19/11, 11:15 pm)
BABY BOY
My baby boy….:)
Yes! Corde has my blues eyes? Will he keep them? I hope so. My two other boys lost their blue eyes to their daddy’s brown eyes so I am hoping he is my blue eyes baby boy. =)
Summer has hit! And strawberry season. Yaaaay! I love this time of the year. Have a fantastic weekend!
Robin Ives wrote: Oh Charlene he surely is a beautiful baby, with a Mom, Dad and two brothers that are also beautiful I'm not surprised. Blessings to all of you, and lots of love. (06/03/11, 8:21 am)
Kris wrote: what a cutie! (06/03/11, 8:33 am)
Nicole wrote: Oh he is ADORABLE!!!! Gosh I miss my babies being that little. My baby is sick =( so we are off to snuggle on the couch =) Enjoy your weekend! (06/03/11, 2:41 pm)
Emily wrote: He is just precious!!! (06/03/11, 8:01 pm)
Springtime
Simple springtime sweetness.
May your Friday be full of springtime. =)
angel wrote: WOW-sers! (05/13/11, 9:45 pm)
Kendra wrote: these are beautiful!! (05/15/11, 9:40 am)
Good Day
Cupcakes. People watching. Busy streets. Cupcakes. Delectable food. Coffee shops. Dear friends. Little sister. A myriad of shops. Anthropologie. Eye candy. Colors and textures and big doors. More people. All kinds. Urban Outfitters. Observing. Chintzy jewelry. Grilled cheese. Grittiness. And the list could go on. All these wrapped together, meshed, and interwoven? Sounds like a good day to me.
Love these kind of days. Love my day in Philadelphia with these ladies. =)
Katie wrote: Antropologie and Urban Outfitters. Always a win. Plus some cute dessert shops and starbucks every 3 blocks. Even better. Oh, Philly. =] I really need to go on one of those tours of all the art studios ! (04/16/11, 9:40 am)
Kris wrote: looks like fun to me! (04/16/11, 10:28 am)
Janae wrote: amber, was telling me about this day! Looks like you guys have a ton of fun, it makes me want to go to philly. :) (04/16/11, 1:33 pm)
Angel wrote: Meeeeeeeee too! Thanks for capturing the moments! (04/16/11, 3:00 pm)
Duoimagery wrote: I love it! The randomness and everything is just awesome! -beth (04/17/11, 12:58 pm)
Epiphany Bliesath wrote: Beautiful pictures as always! I love how you take something so simple and make it look absolutely amazing... Inspiring! :) (04/22/11, 6:10 pm)